Inspiration

How can a dream matter? Some do and some don’t. A few nights ago one dream reminded me of God’s grace. Most people have numerous dreams, not me. This is significant for that reason, and also because I remembered it very distinctly, even days later. I’ll share it here in detail without any interpretation.

Dream – Scene 1

We had just rowed our little boat across a small lake. My husband had already stepped out of the boat and onto the dock by an area of bushes, definitely not a beach, a little rough but the wooden dock was big enough for a few people and to tie up the boat. I remained in the boat but it slowly moved outward so I asked him to hand me the oars.

Should you break Christmas traditions? If so, which ones should you change? Under what circumstances should they be changed? What if families would return to the Christmas of long ago and peace reigned on the earth?

Rebuilding a Dilapidated Shed. The choice to step inside or not weighed on my mind. Will the floor hold me or not? The rotten wood could cave in anytime. If you looked at the back wall you might see the critters scrambling to get out through the wide cracks.

Looking at the wet ceiling that’s been exposed to the rain and snow makes you wonder if for any reason you would store your valuables here.

A while back I had invited a local author as a guest to our Christian writers’ group that meets in my home. As a local author who had several publications under her belt, I wanted to interview her.Thank you so much for sharing your journey to inspire others to follow their dream.

When you face a coming change what feelings rise to the surface of your soul? Perhaps fear arises and chokes rational thoughts? Or anxiety robs you of the joy for today. Or thoughts reflecting on the past won’t let go.

Second choices. Secret desires. If you’re not the first choice make yourself the best choice. You are not a failure, but a priority for God’s purposes. Since it`s the time of year when graduations are happening all over the country, I thought it would be appropriate to share my story here. Mesmerized by the fact that I was considered as the invocation speaker made my heart beat with nervousness. Internally I was elated, and accepted to deliver the invocation for our high school graduating class in front an audience of 1500 people at our community auditorium. It was customary for a retiring teacher to give the speech, but I’m not sure how the choice is made. That year was different. There were only two of us retiring. As my life had often been a life of second choices, this was no exception. The other retiree was asked first but she declined so the lot fell on me and I accepted. (And fulfilled one of those secret desires on my bucket list–to speak in front of a large crowd!) Determination has played a major part in my life, and second chances should be celebrated instead of frowned upon. Since I`m not … Read more

Deep Thinkers Retreat: Not The Norm. Have you ever thought about starting a project all over again because it sucked? Don’t throw it all away, but instead do a complete makeover like they do on TV redecorating shows. That’s what writers can do with manuscripts. Don’t discard all the words you’ve written but use them in a different way, in a different location and perhaps add some new words or use the old ones. Room Makeover Empty the cluttered room but don’t discard the furniture or the accessories. Set them aside until you paint the room and redo the floor. This could be the blueprint for the story structure. Then take one piece of furniture, perhaps the inciting incident, place it in its proper place. Keep placing each piece of furniture in the room. Some of your accessories can be used while others may not be needed. It’s the accessories that create the ambiance in a room. Creating the emotional journey in a story takes deep thinking! (This is my take on Susie’s idea of redecorating.) “A great book is rewritten, not written.” Susie May Warren I was privileged to be chosen to attend My Book Therapy Deep … Read more

Being audacious is about taking risks, going against conventions and the status quo. Brian Hutchinson Taking risks is not something everybody likes to do. It’s a characteristic of an entrepreneur. But what if you’re not an entrepreneur? But risks are also a part of everyday life. Just living is risky on many levels. Risky endeavors Does it matter that you are creating something that no one cares about? Who knows about you? You feel you are all alone in your creativity. Who wants your work, or even cares that you write, paint, sing, or craft? You’re an artist and not an entrepreneur. As humans we are approval junkies. We want others to pat us on the back. Good job. If no one does, then we crumble up in a ball on the floor! Give up. Is that a sign of a weak person? Or do we take the risk and create anyway even if no one sees our creativity? Artists are a different breed. They don’t always like structure. Or the 9 to 5 grind. Work in a factory? No way. Do you know someone who is like that? Sure we all do. Maybe you are one of those types? … Read more

Changes That Increase Your Enthusiasm For Life. How do you live a meaningful life every day? If you’re enthusiastic about life regardless of where you are externally, you will have passion for living happy. If you’ve lost that passion maybe it’s time for change!

How do you know if you are ready for change? When you’ve had enough misery or boredom. Or when circumstances dictate to you. Or when you allow God to direct your steps. Or when you realize that you have so much left on your bucket list.

When that truth crystallizes in your brain you’re ready.

So how do you go about changing?

Do something towards making a change even it’s only in your thought life. That’s where it starts anyway. Then ask for help. Get rid of emotional weeds such as frustration, anger, and resentments. (You may need help with some of these.) And stop making excuses.

Be aware how brain health reflects on our happiness. Mental exhaustion can negatively impact success in life. Click on this article about improving brain fitness.

If you constantly complain and feel overwhelmed, think about what would it be like if you stopped complaining . Perhaps you wouldn’t have anything to talk about! Or your overall health could improve. Along with physical health comes brain well-being if you let go of stress.

Do something that you’ve never done before.

Physical pain (emotional suffering also) should alert you to find out what is causing it. Go to a doctor if the pain continues. Acknowledge the diagnosis.

A while ago I walked into the doctor’s office. I was told that my gardening days were over. This didn’t rattle me, but when I could no longer twist my body to hit the golf ball, I was devastated. That’s when I began to change my thinking about my body. I really was having physical issues! No choice but to accept it.

Change the self-talk.

If you continue with negative self-talk and life continues in the same path, don’t be surprised if nothing changes. You plan to make changes some day, but will that day come? Start with one idea and stick to that for a few weeks. Little steps will become the foundation for change. The experts say that it takes 21 days to change a habit. This could work when changing habits about exercise or healthy eating.

Process of change.

I had to do something differently or my body would get worse and worse. Fearful thoughts raced in my mind. But I had to submit so I made a choice to get surgery to relieve the constant pain and to walk again. Change brings discomfort. But it’s worth it.

Writing this blog a few days before the surgery excites me because I can think of the future with confidence. New opportunities await for me. I can live life with enthusiasm again. And with a titanium hip!

Credit Google Images at www.clipartbest.com

Setting boundaries for our own happiness.

Sometimes we allow others to dictate how we feel about ourselves. Allowing others to overstep boundaries by constant demands of our time, energy and finances can take a toll on your emotional health. Learn to say no. Fear that someone won’t love you if you don’t respond to their needs above your own. Change that thought!

Lasting change takes time. Don’t fast track.

Whether change is your own choice or not, it brings growth. When you fall into trials you will come out stronger if you keep the right perspective. You can even rejoice in them. Changes can increase your enthusiasm for life.

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. James 1:204 MSG

What about you? What changes are you struggling with? Would love to hear if you’ve had hip or knee surgery?